Happy Late Thanksgiving

We may be thousands of miles from our homeland, but Americans always git r done, no? Getting r done includes celebrating our beloved Turkey Day. Above, you can see the lovely group of people I got to spend Thanksgiving with this year. The holidays really are one of the most difficult times to be living abroad; not only are you separated from friends and family, but you're also missing the typical customs, celebrations, and Taylor Swift Christmas songs playing during Black Friday at Target (wait, that last one is actually incentive to move abroad.) That's why I'm very thankful for the friends I have here and the opportunity to get together and share our traditions.

 Before moving to Spain, I thought there was something kind of pathetic or lazy about so-called "expat communities" abroad. And while I admittedly spend too much time with other English speakers- from America, Britain, New Zealand, or Spain- I fully understand why these communities develop and the psychological need for us to have this kind of support group. Life is pretty insufferable when you have to work and live with people who, despite their language abilities and sweet dispositions, will never fully understand you. (Kendra, I know you are nodding in agreement, but also rolling your eyes at me from the mountains of Perú or Bolivia.) So as long as I eat typical Spanish food instead of McDonald's, try to live like a local, and speak a fair amount of Spanish, I feel like I'm allowed my little English indulgences, right?

 Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the long weekend! Shout out to my Grandma for having her tree selected as the official Christmas tree of downtown Boise. It looks beautiful! Also, I sent out a batch of post cards a couple weeks ago, so be on the lookout for those. (And if you didn't get one, send me your address.)

 This week is looking pretty calm. Just three more work days and then I will be headed to Bilbao for our long weekend! Parting shot: My friend Beth and me at a Real Oviedo soccer match. As seen on TV, soccer fans are absolutely crazy, and one of them set off a firecracker just before half-time. I think it was an act of protest against the ref, who was making some awful calls. They ended up cancelling the match halfway through and forcing everyone to leave the stadium (and our team was winning!)...hopefully the next one will be better?

*Photo credits to my gyalz Nicole Belz & Beth Love*